New Legislation to Provide Accountability for Administrative Hearing Office

Mayor Richard J. Berry will submit to the City Council a key piece of legislation that will clean-up, provide accountability, and revise the reporting structure within the Administrative Hearing Office.

May 1, 2012

Albuquerque- Today Mayor Richard J. Berry will submit to the City Council a key piece of legislation that will clean-up, provide accountability, and revise the reporting structure within the Administrative Hearing Office. This proposed Ordinance follows several concerns raised within the Office. It was discovered after an external investigation that several employees were working for outside agencies and accumulating profits while on city time.

Councilor Dan Lewis is carrying the legislation, which will mandate that the City Administrative Hearing Office report to the City Clerk’s Office; which is now an independent agency. The Ordinance also prohibits hearing officers from engaging in outside employment or representation of clients without approval from the Mayor.

"This is about accountability and good government. We’re taking a strong stand against corruption and the misuse of taxpayer dollars," said Mayor Berry. "I’m eager to see this legislation passed and implemented within our city."

The Ordinance which will go before the City Council next week is being sponsored by Councilor Dan Lewis. "We work for the taxpayers; therefore all city employees must be responsible for their actions. This is a necessary step towards creating a transparent and accountable city government," said Councilor Lewis.

If the City Council approves the legislation it will go into effect immediately, and the Administrative Hearing Office will report to the City Clerk’s Office.